Second and Third class children from Scoil Cholmcille in Greencastle were the stars at Friday’s special launch of the 2018 Wainfest Programme in the Inishowen Maritime Museum and Planetarium.
Wainfest is Donegal’s Children’s Arts and Book Festival and is developed each year by the talented and inspirational team in Donegal County Council’s Library Service. The festival takes place from October 6 – 14 and this year promise to be another ‘wild and wonderous’ adventure for the children of Donegal.
Speaking at the launch, Cultural Services Manager in Donegal County Council Eileen Burgess explained how the festival has developed since its first inception back in 1996 saying: “Wainfest has grown beyond our own expectations. From meagre beginnings in 1996 to 2018 and a festival curated especially for children with 111 schools events and 40 family events.
“With an investment from Donegal County Council and from the Creative Ireland Programme of just over €30,000, I am proud to say that the Division I manage has developed the festival to what it is today”.
“Since its inception, Wainfest has proved its ability to engage, enlighten and involve children in high-quality cultural events in their locality. In the last number of years, we have expanded the festival to include a family programme available in the evenings and weekends so that working families can enjoy everything that Wainfest has to offer.
“Wainfest aims to be inclusive and accessible whether you are in Greencastle, Bundoran or Gaoth Dobhair, connecting and meeting the needs of children”.
Cllr Martin Farren, Cathaoirleach of Inishowen MD talked of his delight in having the launch in the beautiful village of Greencastle on the banks of the Foyle, he said: “The theme of Wainfest this year is ‘Wild and Wondrous’ and what better place to launch this year’s festival than in the beautiful Inishowen Maritime Museum and Planetarium.
“What better place to launch a book festival that engages children in creative activities than in the home of many great Donegal Writers. For all we know we might have the next Swan, Cary, Sweeney or Friel in this very room and maybe it could be all because they were inspired by their involvement in Wainfest.”
Wainfest has grown in popularity especially in the last number of years. In 2017 audience figures increased by 104% to over 7,000 and it is expected that these audience figures will be exceeded in 2018.
Cllr Seamus O’Domhnaill who officially launched this year’s programme, he said: “I am overwhelmed by the number of events, over 150, the largest festival to date. Children across Donegal will have an opportunity to meet high profile authors, enjoy lively theatre productions, learn digital skills, be enthralled by wonderful storytellers and learn about our rivers and the sea. There is even an opportunity to board the Hogwarts express.”
Cllr O’Domhnaill also acknowledged the important role played by various partners in the development of this top class festival saying, he said: “The partnership approach of Wainfest has continued in 2018 with the inclusion of new partners Oakfield Park in Raphoe, the Balor Theatre in Ballybofey and Water Quality Improvement project, CatchmentCARE. It is with this sort of commitment, ingenuity, collaboration and sense of partnership that emphasises the important role local authorities can and do play as providers and enablers of culture and creativity”.
The Cathaoirleach had a special word of thanks for Daíre Harley and Eve Cavanagh from Scoil Cholmcille. Daíre performed the Master of Ceremonies for the launch and Eve Cavanagh recited a beautiful poem.
He also thanked author Malachy Doyle for his wonderful inspirational storytelling workshop with the children of Scoil Cholmcille before the launch event.
